I know this is not the proper thread for religious speak, but I find it ironic that, on this Good Friday, I am officially filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy as of 11:54PM last night.
I visited my bankruptcy attorney yesterday, to sign off on the the paperwork and make a payment. I was not expecting him to tell me that he was going to submit my case because I still owe him $195 in fees. However, he said he would be hitting the "submit" button that evening.
Panic ensued. As I left his office, I began to sweat profusely, the fear of no turning back had sunk in, I knew I was doing the right thing, but still there was that little ounce of fear left inside me. On my drive home, I chuckled at myself. We had just reviewed my expenses and after paying the various (and not all) household expenses, ie, food, rent, insurance, and car, I was left with a tiny $10 per month. That's before paying one single dime to creditors, not one single dime.
So of course, I'm doing the right thing, when I got home, I promptly threw up, (sorry for grossing anyone out). The rest of the night I somehow managed to convince myself that I had misheard the Attorney and he wasn't going to file because I still owe him $195, I began to prepare myself for the disappointment, as so many of us are used to doing.
I went to bed and promptly went to sleep. I get up very early for work (which I am at now). I went through the usual motions, walked the dog, showered, etc. Then I decided to bite the bullet and check Pacer. I literally shut my eyes while the screen loaded. And when I finally opened them, my eyes saw the glory of what was on my screen:
"A bankruptcy case concerning the debtor(s) listed below was filed under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, entered on 04/21/2011 at 11:54 PM and filed on 04/21/2011.
In most instances, the filing of the bankruptcy case automatically stays certain collection and other actions against the debtor and the debtor's property. Under certain circumstances, the stay may be limited to 30 days or not exist at all, although the debtor can request the court to extend or impose a stay. If you attempt to collect a debt or take other action in violation of the Bankruptcy Code, you may be penalized. Consult a lawyer to determine your rights in this case."
Alas, I smiled, and let out of huge sigh of relief. That last paragraph in and of itself is beautiful.
All morning I have felt a wave of relief come over me. I know I still have at least 90 days left in the process but I'm very happy that the ball has begun to roll. My 341 date is May 31st and Pacer said my expected date of discharge is 08/01. I know the discharge date is up in the air, but it was good to see.
This forum has been a huge blessing to me. Like I stated in other posts, bankruptcy is not a normal dinner topic. And if it were to come up in conversation, most people tend to immediately pass judgment. I have learned so much here and genuinely enjoy reading the topic threads.
I'm glad I have finally taken the leap and I eagerly anticipate my fresh start.
Is it wrong that suddenly I can't wait to speak to creditors today? I am not denying any of the debt, I do owe the money, but have absolutely no means of paying. It is a good thing to be protected by the courts.
It's also ironic, that I turned on my car this morning and this song was on the radio, sung by a gentleman who also had to file for Bankruptcy Protection...(I hope I'm not breaking any rules by posting the link)
So I've already sent off my April bank statement to my attorney, it was published last night as well; in addition to a snapshot of the account balance from yesterday.
So all that is left to do is wait and probably drink a few cold ones.
I visited my bankruptcy attorney yesterday, to sign off on the the paperwork and make a payment. I was not expecting him to tell me that he was going to submit my case because I still owe him $195 in fees. However, he said he would be hitting the "submit" button that evening.
Panic ensued. As I left his office, I began to sweat profusely, the fear of no turning back had sunk in, I knew I was doing the right thing, but still there was that little ounce of fear left inside me. On my drive home, I chuckled at myself. We had just reviewed my expenses and after paying the various (and not all) household expenses, ie, food, rent, insurance, and car, I was left with a tiny $10 per month. That's before paying one single dime to creditors, not one single dime.
So of course, I'm doing the right thing, when I got home, I promptly threw up, (sorry for grossing anyone out). The rest of the night I somehow managed to convince myself that I had misheard the Attorney and he wasn't going to file because I still owe him $195, I began to prepare myself for the disappointment, as so many of us are used to doing.
I went to bed and promptly went to sleep. I get up very early for work (which I am at now). I went through the usual motions, walked the dog, showered, etc. Then I decided to bite the bullet and check Pacer. I literally shut my eyes while the screen loaded. And when I finally opened them, my eyes saw the glory of what was on my screen:
"A bankruptcy case concerning the debtor(s) listed below was filed under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, entered on 04/21/2011 at 11:54 PM and filed on 04/21/2011.
In most instances, the filing of the bankruptcy case automatically stays certain collection and other actions against the debtor and the debtor's property. Under certain circumstances, the stay may be limited to 30 days or not exist at all, although the debtor can request the court to extend or impose a stay. If you attempt to collect a debt or take other action in violation of the Bankruptcy Code, you may be penalized. Consult a lawyer to determine your rights in this case."
Alas, I smiled, and let out of huge sigh of relief. That last paragraph in and of itself is beautiful.
All morning I have felt a wave of relief come over me. I know I still have at least 90 days left in the process but I'm very happy that the ball has begun to roll. My 341 date is May 31st and Pacer said my expected date of discharge is 08/01. I know the discharge date is up in the air, but it was good to see.
This forum has been a huge blessing to me. Like I stated in other posts, bankruptcy is not a normal dinner topic. And if it were to come up in conversation, most people tend to immediately pass judgment. I have learned so much here and genuinely enjoy reading the topic threads.
I'm glad I have finally taken the leap and I eagerly anticipate my fresh start.
Is it wrong that suddenly I can't wait to speak to creditors today? I am not denying any of the debt, I do owe the money, but have absolutely no means of paying. It is a good thing to be protected by the courts.
It's also ironic, that I turned on my car this morning and this song was on the radio, sung by a gentleman who also had to file for Bankruptcy Protection...(I hope I'm not breaking any rules by posting the link)
So I've already sent off my April bank statement to my attorney, it was published last night as well; in addition to a snapshot of the account balance from yesterday.
So all that is left to do is wait and probably drink a few cold ones.
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